Method for configuring and operating a medical apparatus with electronically readable component descriptions

ABSTRACT

In a method to operate a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus that includes a number of electronically controlled sub-components, the components and/or the apparatus are controlled by a control unit via sensors and actuators. All relevant configuration data and operating data are stored in respective electronic objects that are stored in an apparatus memory. An electronic object is respectively associated with each component.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the fields of electronics, and in particularcontrol engineering, and more particularly concerns the field of medicalimaging apparatuses, for example magnetic resonance tomography systems,computed tomography systems, lithotripters, and other complex medicaltechnology apparatuses.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Medical technology apparatuses embody a number of technical sub-systems,for example a C-arm, a patient table (controllable and movable via acorresponding motor), collimators and dose measurement systems, as wellas corresponding actuators (for example to move the patient table) withcorresponding position sensors (for example rotary encoders and cables).

The operation of a particular medical technology apparatus requires anumber of different workflows to be executed. The individual technicalsub-systems must be configured for their embedding or integration intothe apparatus (as embedded systems). Furthermore, the individual controlelements or actuators of the technical sub-systems must be configuredand controlled accordingly. After a configuration phase, the operationof the medical technology apparatus can be started. The operating stateis typically detected continuously, and monitoring of the technicalsub-systems is implemented. Moreover, tests (concerning the apparatusand the technical sub-systems) can also be executed.

For both the configuration and the operation of the technicalsub-systems and of the complex complete system, it is necessary that theproperties of the sub-systems (also called “components” or “modules”) bemade known to the complete system.

Conventionally, such imparting of the component properties takes placein the form of a data sheet that is delivered by the manufacturer of thecomponent. This data sheet is then received by the system developer andimplemented in software, normally individually for each component. Thedata sheet can exist beforehand in various formats, for example as adesign specification or Excel sheet. Some protocols (such as CANopen)also stipulate a conditional, machine-readable data sheet in a separateformat. The data sheet is thereby normally not stored in the system(memory). A disadvantage of the use of such a data sheet is, that itdescribes only the properties of the component, for example the registerassignment. The task of the system software developer is then toretrieve from this specification (and possibly in cooperation with thedeveloper or vendor of the component) the information that is necessaryin order to configure and operate the apparatus in the complete system.This process is iterative and is very susceptible to misunderstandingsand errors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to improve, automate and simplifythe aforementioned known procedures. The risk of misinterpretationsgiven a manual importation of data sheets should in particular beavoided.

In the following, the invention is described based on the method.Embodiments, alternative solutions with additional features andadvantages that are mentioned are similarly applicable to the controlunit, and vice versa. The respective functional features of the methodare implemented by corresponding microprocessor modules that aredesigned to execute the respective functionality. For example, themethod step “storing a data set” can be implemented via a memory that isdesigned to store the respective data set.

According to one aspect, the present invention relates to acomputer-implemented method to operate a magnetic resonance tomographyapparatus or another medical apparatus that has a number ofelectronically controlled components. To operate the complex apparatus,it is necessary for the individual apparatus modules or apparatuscomponents to be initially configured and made known to the completesystem. The individual components and/or the apparatus are controlled bya control unit. This takes place via sensors and actuators (controlelements) that are likewise integrated into the complete system. Thecomponents are engaged in data exchange among one another and/or theapparatus and/or the control unit (as well as additional electronicunits of the system) via a bus system.

The method includes two basic steps: an operating phase that takes placeafter a configuration phase.

In the first phase—the configuration phase—all components or componentsselected as relevant are configured.

This takes place by an electronic object being provided in an apparatusmemory, the electronic object (also designated as an electronic file inthe following) being respectively associated one-to-one with a componentand including operating data (that embody configuration data) for therespective component. For each component, there is precisely one objector one file. The term “electronic file” is not limiting and generallyrefers to an object that can be the subject of an access to a component.The object is also designated in the following as an electronic file orDDO and, for example, can be a register or a memory range in amicrocontroller. Within the scope of the invention, an object or a DDOis intended to be understood more generally and can also include otheraccess objects (for example an audio file); among other things, it canbe retrievable over a network (Internet, for example). It is importantthat it can be accessed for reading and/or writing from the system. Theobject is independent of how this is executed in the component.

The electronic file or the content of the electronic file with theoperating data (and configuration data) is relayed via the bus system tothe respective component for configuration of the component.

In the event that this can be executed without error and/orinterruption, the configuration phase is concluded. After this, theapparatus can be placed in operation directly or at a later point intime, namely after the components of the apparatus are configured.

For this, the electronic file is accessed in order to read out theoperating data of the respective component. The read-out operating dataare thereupon transmitted to the component.

After receiving the operating data at the component, said component (andthe apparatus as a whole) can be operated with the transmitted operatingdata.

In the following, the terms used herein are explained in detail.

The operation of the apparatus includes the configuration of thesub-systems or, respectively, components and/or the configuration of theapparatus in advance of the actual operation. For example, numberingamong these are settings at individual injectors or settings of themotor to move the patient table. Parameters—for example the traveldirection, the travel speed, acceleration parameters etc.—must therebybe set. Furthermore, the start command must be configured (“when and dueto what events should the motor be activated?”). The components aretypically configured as slaves of a network master (that can beimplemented in a control unit). The configuration can also include thedetection of a configuration status.

In addition to the configuration, the operation also includes thecontrol of the apparatus, the control of the components, the detectionof an operating status (with regard to the complete system and/or withregard to the individual sub-components), the monitoring of the completesystem with the individual components, and the testing of the system or,respectively, the components.

The control unit can be implemented in hardware and be formed by acorresponding microcontroller, for example. The microcontroller or,respectively, the control unit can act as a network master. It isengaged in data exchange with the other components of the system via abus system.

The bus system can in particular be a CAN-based network, for example aCANopen network. In alternative implementations and embodiments of theinvention, it can also be a different synchronous or asynchronous bussystem. The bus system is advantageously based on a serial transfer (butthis is not absolutely necessary for the embodiment of the presentinvention).

The electronic file or, respectively, the electronic object (which isabbreviated in the following as a DDO) is a digital object that can bethe subject of a read and/or write access. The object can be stored in aregister of a microcontroller. Furthermore, the object can also bedesigned, for example, as a defined memory range and be addressable viaa corresponding memory address. Alternatively, the electronic file or,respectively, the object can also be an Internet address or a networkaddress (for example within the bus system or within a network system).The network system can be a fashioned as a local network system (LAN,local area network) or as a non-local system (WAN: wide area network).

However, in the complete system an additional electronic file is alsoprovided that is prepared as a configuration file (also called a “pdr”).The configuration file can be stored on a hard disk of the (MR) systemand be read upon startup of the system. The configuration file isadvantageously designated with the extension “pdr”, wherein pdr standsfor “periphery data repository”. The format of this file is based onxml, and the DDOs and the accesses to these are described in thisconfiguration file (pdr).

The DDO can include different data formats. In addition to text data,audio data or video streams can also be stored here.

A significant aspect of the present invention relates to the fact thatwhat is known as a “single source approach” to the component descriptionis selected. This means that, in principle, all properties (thusparameters that are relevant to the description of the respectivecomponent) are stored in only and precisely one file, the electronicfile. This electronic file thereby serves as a basis for theconfiguration and for the operative operation of the complete apparatus.Moreover, the electronic file also includes a description of test casesthat can be implemented both in the integration of the component in thecomplete system and in its operation.

The component is completely described by the electronic file, such thatthe description can also be used as a basis of a simulation of thecomponent in the complete system (in the medical apparatus).

In an embodiment of the invention, it can also be provided to generate adocumentation. The required documentation(s) can be derived simply andin arbitrary data formats from the electronic file.

The electronic file can advantageously also be merged into more complexobjects, what are known as Process Data Objects (PDOs). The advantage ofthese PDOs is apparent in that it is possible to access multipleelectronic files and to send and/or receive these (for example) withonly a single hardware access. Defined bus protocols that use this formof data transfer in running operation can thereby be used. Ultimately,the PDOs serve to save on hardware accesses (and therefore bus load).The PDOs can include multiple DDOs, and thus multiple data can betransferred in one transfer. However, the PDOs typically do not spanacross components and thus cannot include DDOs of different components.

The entire communication for configuration and/or operation of theapparatus (also designated as the complete system in the following)takes place via the bus system. A significant advantage of the solutionaccording to the invention is apparent in that, via the electronic file,the component description according to the invention is whollyindependent of the type of bus system that is used. It is thusinsignificant whether a CANopen bus or another asynchronous protocol isused. Alternatively, it is also possible that individual data exchangesteps are processed via another protocol and/or another network.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus memory isassociated with the apparatus (thus the complete system). The apparatusmemory can thereby be fashioned in the control unit and/or be accessiblyby said control unit. The apparatus memory can be fashioned as a harddisk of the apparatus or system (for example of the MR system).Moreover, the apparatus memory can also be connectable as an externalinstance of the apparatus. However, the apparatus memory isadvantageously integrated into the control unit and/or into theapparatus.

The components are advantageously electronic components that cancomprise the actuators. The electronic components can comprise sensorsand/or actuators. The apparatus memory can also be fashioned to beaccessible via the bus system of the control unit.

The operating data can include parameters that unambiguouslycharacterize how the respective component is embedded or integrated intothe apparatus. The parameters include parameters about an installationspace, parameters with regard to the data exchange of the component withother components and/or apparatus modules, time parameters,identification parameters (version, part number, serial number revisionstate etc.), as well as other position-related parameters. Most bussystems assign a separate identification/ID (node ID)—for example IPaddress given the use of the TCP/IP protocol—to the participants on thebus.

Moreover, the parameters can also include additional properties, aspectsand/or commands in connection with the respective component (for examplevia which commands the component can be controlled, which sensors andactuators the component comprises etc.). In other words: the parametersdefine the “integration” or the “embedding” of the respective componentin the complete system (in the sense of an “embedded system”).

The operation of the apparatus can include a status display, a loadingand/or testing. Moreover, the operating data can include status messageswith regard to the components and/or the apparatus, control commands, inonly a single electronic file.

According to the invention, the control unit accesses the electronicfile for configuration of the component and/or for operation of theapparatus. An advantage is that all relevant parameters and informationwith regard to the component are stored in only a single electronicfile. It is therefore possible to read out all relevant information anddata sets with only one hardware access. The time for configurationand/or for startup can thus advantageously be shortened.

According to a further embodiment, in addition to control commands,messages are also provided in connection with the configuration and/orwith the operation of the apparatus. The control unit can advantageouslyprovide a message or a plurality of messages for the component (orcomponents), wherein the message is respectively incorporated into theelectronic file. Moreover, a link to a memory range can also beincorporated into the data exchange with the component.

Furthermore, it is possible that the control unit generates at least onemessage from state information of the component that is received fromthe component. The message can also be a return address (known as a“callback”) via which additional instructions and actions can betriggered. For example, here additional evaluations can be activated,error messages can be output or messages can be sent to other instances.

The aforementioned object is also achieved in accordance with theinvention by a control unit to control a complex medical apparatus. Thecomplex medical apparatus has a number of components that are to becontrolled electronically. The components must be configured foroperation of the apparatus. The components are embedded into the medicalapparatus. The control unit serves to control the components and/or theapparatus via designed sensors and actuators. The individual units(control unit, the multiple components, the apparatus, the sensors, theactuators) are engaged in data exchanges via a bus system.

The control unit has an apparatus memory, the bus system and an accessand transmission unit.

The apparatus memory comprises a process data object (PDO). A processdata object can include a plurality of DDOs, wherein a respective DDO isassociated with precisely one component. The DDO includes operating data(including configuration data) for configuration of the component and/orfor operation of the apparatus. Arbitrarily many electronic files (pdrfiles) are stored in the apparatus memory (generally on the hard disk ofthe system or apparatus computer), wherein each file is associated withprecisely one component. As described above, the operating data are thenstored in the files. The apparatus memory is typically accessible by thecontrol unit and arranged immediately in the control unit. The apparatusmemory is preferably arranged in the medical apparatus.

The bus system is a network system, for example a field bus system, andcan be a field bus system, an can be an asynchronous, serial bus systemand be based on the CAN standard. All units of the control unit and ofthe apparatus are in communication connection with one another via thebus system. In particular, the components, the medical apparatus and thecontrol unit interact via the bus system.

The access and transmission unit is designed to access the electronicfile in order to read out the operating data stored there. The read-outoperating data relate to a defined component to which the read-outoperating data can then be transmitted one-to-one in order to supply thecomponent with the read-out configuration and/or operating data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an overview representation of a magnetic resonance tomographyapparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows an association between an electronic file and a patienttable as components.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of components and electronic filesthat interact via a control unit.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an electronic file according toa preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a configuration processaccording to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows an example representation of a loading process according toa preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary and schematic representation of a test processaccording to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an overview representation of a supervision process inaccordance with the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus that is operatedas a complex, medical apparatus G. In other embodiments, other types ofmedical systems G can be selected, for example mammography systems,computed tomography, ultrasound apparatuses, PET systems, etc.

The apparatus G can also be designated as a complex system, since anumber of electronic components K are embedded or, respectively,integrated into the system. The components K are, for example, a patientbed that must be moved via a motor, or an injector of a biopsy device.The components K are fashioned as an electronic sub-system and interactwith one another via a bus system BUS. Beyond this, all units orinstances K of the apparatus G are engaged in a data exchange with oneanother and with the apparatus G (as well as with a control unit S) viathe bus system BUS. As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus G has an apparatusmemory MEM. Multiple electronic objects DDO are stored in the apparatusmemory MEM (in the following, an “electronic file” is also called a DDO;however, the object DDO does not need to be a file, but rather can alsopertain to access objects). According to one aspect, precisely oneelectronic file DDO is respectively associated with a component K.

For example, the following association thus results:

-   DDO₁-K₁-   DDO₂-K₂-   . . .-   DDO_(n)-K_(n).

In other words, the number of components K corresponds to the number ofelectronic files DDO. According to one aspect of the invention, a singlesource approach is provided that allows that all properties of therespective component K that is necessary for operation in the completesystem G are stored in a single electronically readable description DDOin the system G, and can be used as a basis for the configuration and/orthe operative operation of the apparatus G. Multiple electronic filescan also be combined into one process data object PDO. A PDO includesthe information (data sets or, respectively, signals) of one or moreDDOs and is in principle a transport medium in order to reduce the busloads (less overhead). A PDO cannot be read or written in this sense;rather, it is sent or, respectively, received. It is used in order toexchange information in normal operation.

In FIG. 1, the bus system is represented by the outer border or theconnecting lines between the individual units of the apparatus G.

As shown in FIG. 2, the patient table (which is represented as acomponent K₁ in FIG. 2 and has a motor for drive control, and moreoveran electronic controller) is likewise represented, via the bus systemBUS, with the electronic file DDO associated with it. The file DDOincludes all data that are necessary for the configuration, theoperation, the test and all further applications of the component K.

FIG. 3 again shows multiple instances of electronic files DDO₁, DDO₂, .. . , DDO_(n) that interact with the respective components K₁, K₂, . . ., K_(n) via the bus system BUS and the central control unit S. In thecomplete system, the following files or objects are associated with eachcomponent K:

-   a component description B or also pdr file-   Optional: a load file L (loadware), loadable software, normally for    a microcontroller or an FPGA module. This is always a separate file.-   Likewise Optional: message text M. The messages can be included in    the component description or exist in a separate file that is in or,    respectively, linked with the component description.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a possible design of a component descriptionB. The component description or pdr file B includes all informationregarding the component K, thus also includes the information withregard to the DDOs and PDOs. This file always describes only onecomponent. In this example, the description B also includes the messagetext M. The loadware L is provided in a separate file. The loadware Land the message texts are typically stored in separate files.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration of the respective component K of theapparatus G. The configuration of the components K is implemented withthe use of what is known as a ConfigMap. In the ConfigMap, the DDOs arein a defined order (and with additional timing information) as they areto be sent to the components K, i.e. should be read or written. Theapparatus G obtains from the component description B information ofwhich DDOs are to be transferred. The association occurs via addresses,meaning that each component K has a unique address on the bus (forexample a node ID), and each DDO also possesses a unique address), suchthat the data exchange can be operated between the participatingcommunication partners via the bus system BUS.

Loadware L can additionally, optionally be transferred again via the bussystem BUS. Message texts can likewise optionally be administered in theapparatus G. If a status update is sent from the component K, in theapparatus G a check is made as to whether a message must be generated.This may then be implemented with the stored message texts.

FIG. 6 likewise schematically shows the download process (that islabeled with the term DOWNLOAD in the Figure) with loadware L. Theloadware L is thereby written into a separate file as a MemoryMap. Thiscan be executed in a configuration phase. The download then takes placefrom the electronic file DDO to the respective components K that arelikewise again shown on the right side in FIG. 6.

As indicated on the left side in FIG. 6, in addition to the MemoryMapthe component description B also includes a loadware info in theelectronic file DDO. With the loadware info, the loadware L isassociated with a respective component K_(i) and can then be loaded. Theloadware info thus includes an association information as to whichloadware L is to be associated with which component K.

FIG. 7 likewise schematically shows a test process for the respectivecomponent K. For this, a TestMap is provided as a component of thecomponent description B in electronic file DDO. Further componentsoftware SW and message texts M that are shown above in FIG. 7 canoptionally be provided. The control unit S implements the test processand transfers the respective TestMap to the respective components K tobe tested.

FIG. 8 shows the process of a supervision. For this, message texts Mthat are shown to the upper left in FIG. 8 are loaded into theelectronic file DDO as a message, in particular into the componentdescription B. In addition to a MessageMap, the electronic file DDOincludes a SupervisionMap and a PDOMap. Via the control unit S, theelectronic file DDO is engaged in data exchange with the respectivecomponents K that are shown on the right side in FIG. 8. As is likewiseschematically indicated in FIG. 8, a component K can send a statusinformation via the control unit S to further instances, which statusinformation is likewise stored in the electronic file DDO. The statusinformation is identified with the reference character “STATUS” in FIG.8. The received status message is analyzed with the aid of the PDOMapand the SupervisionMap from the component description DDO. Messages arepossibly generated automatically and/or additional actions (callbacks,for example) are possibly initiated.

The electronic file DDO (which is respectively associated with aspecific component K according to the invention) can be associated withmultiple clusters (what are known as MemoryMaps), wherein all electronicfiles DDO within a MemoryMap possess defined, common properties. Forexample, all electronic files DDO of a component K that are addressedvia the same access protocol can be merged in this way. The electronicfiles DDO can therefore be written with different access protocols (forexample USP interface, CANopen interface etc.) within a component K.However, MemoryMaps can also be used for other purposes, for example asa combination of electronic files, for example for the purposes ofdocumentation. In principle, a documentation or a portion of adocumentation can be generated in a simple manner from an electronicfile DDO. In principle, an electronic file DDO can be associated withmultiple MemoryMaps.

An electronic file DDO advantageously possesses all of or sections ofthe following attributes:

-   name; name of the electronic file DDO; the name must be unique    within the component K-   description; description of the respective function of the    electronic file DDO-   MemoryMaps; the MemoryMaps with which the electronic file DDO is    associated-   DataType; data type of the electronic file DDO-   Group; electronic files DDO can be combined into groups in order to    generate complex data types, for example fields/arrays records etc.-   Address; the address at which the electronic file DDO is physically    addressed-   TimeOut; maximum access time at an electronic file DDO-   TimeBase; time base for a timeout-   ResetValue; initial value of the electronic file DDO after a reset-   LimitLow; lower limit of the allowed data range-   LimitHigh; upper limit of the allowed data range-   ExcessType [sic]; allows access types, in particular write access,    read access-   Slices; within an electronic file DDO, individual bits or groups of    contiguous bits can be identified as a state information with the    definition of slices, which bits or groups of bits are associated    with the respective messages within the supervision.    MessageMap:

The MessageMap includes the messages that are present for the componentK in the apparatus G or, respectively, in the control unit S. That canbe realized in different ways. The message texts can be integrated viadifferent links to files that include the messages. Moreover, themessage texts can explicitly be included within the electronic file DDO.

A message always includes the following parts:

-   symbolic name that must be unique to the respective component K-   unique error code.

Arbitrarily many text sequences, wherein each text sequence can includeadditional attributes for presentation (for example presentation as apop-up window): font size, color etc.

Supervision Map:

The SupervisionMap establishes the connection between relevant stateinformation of the component K, and messages and actions derived orgenerated from these. The actions can be return addresses, for example,and be designed as callbacks. In principle, each electronic file DDO caninclude state information that are defined with slices within thedefinition of the electronic file DDO.

A supervision status can adopt the state “active” or “inactive”. Eithera message and/or actions (callbacks, for example) can be associated withthe state.

In the supervision, the following information must be established foreach supervision status for the evaluation of the state information:

-   name of the supervision status-   the associated electronic file DDO; an error code that is sent in    the event that the state is active,-   the associated slices-   initial state of the supervision status-   description text of the state in the event of “active”-   description text of the state in the event of “inactive”-   list of the registered callbacks-   definitions of in what way the state bits are to be interpreted.

The check takes place by means of a mask. One evaluation mask is therebyrequired that establishes which state bits are evaluated, and a resultmask is required that checks a priority of the selected state bits.

A check thereupon takes place by means of a range information. A lowerrange and an upper range are thereby established, as well as what isknown as a BorderType. Via the BorderType it is established how therange affiliation of the value is to be interpreted.

A check can likewise be executed by means of a threshold. A thresholdand an initialization value are thereby established. Furthermore,additional attributes that affect the evaluation of the stateinformation can be applied, for example an inverted logic.

PDOmap:

In the cases in which multiple electronic files DDO are included withinthe ProcessData or in the process data object PDO, these must initiallybe associated with the individual electronic files DDO. For this, thePDOmap includes a list of the supported PDOs with the following entries:

-   PDO name-   list of the included electronic files DDO (with position within the    PDO)-   protocol-specific attributes (interrupt features etc.)    Hardware Information:

Arbitrary attributes with regard to the component hardware are enteredin this range.

-   Loadware information; arbitrary attributes with regard to loadable    components, software (loadware) are entered in this range.    TestMap:

The test cases are defined in this range. The test cases areadvantageously configurable in a configuration phase. For this purpose,arbitrarily many lists are established with the required accessesincluding timing. Both electronic files DDO and process data objects PDOand MemoryMaps can be accessed:

-   access object (electronic file DDO, process data object PDO,    MemoryMap)-   access type (read access, write access)-   write value or, respectively, expected value-   wait time to the next access.    ConfigMap:

The configuration of the component K is defined in this region. Forthis, arbitrarily many lists are established with the required accesses,including a timing. Both an electronic file DDO and a process dataobject PDO and MemoryMaps can be accessed:

-   access object (electronic file DDO, process data object PDO,    MemoryMap)-   access type (read, write)-   write value or, respectively, expected value-   wait time to the next access.

A number of advantages are achieved with the present invention. It ispossible to derive all relevant information from only one electronicfile DDO, which information is required for configuration and foroperation of the components K of the apparatus G. Moreover, adocumentation of the components K can also be generated. It hasfurthermore proven to be advantageous that the description is inprinciple independent of the respectively implemented bus system BUS oron the apparatus type. Moreover, the description B of a component K canbe arbitrarily expanded at any time.

The error source can be reduced via the structured description of thecomponent K via the electronic file DDO.

Although modifications and changes may be suggested by those skilled inthe art, it is the intention of the inventors to embody within thepatent warranted hereon all changes and modifications as reasonably andproperly come within the scope of their contribution to the art.

We claim as our invention:
 1. A method to operate a complex medicalapparatus that comprises a plurality of electronically controlledcomponents that must be configured to operate the apparatus, wherein thecomponents and/or the apparatus are controlled by a control unit and areengaged in data exchange via a bus system, said method comprising:automatically configuring multiple components among said electronicallycontrolled components, said multiple components being selected from thegroup consisting of all components and selected components, by providingan electronic object in an apparatus memory, wherein the electronicobject is respectively associated with one of said electronicallycontrolled components in said group and includes complete operating datafor operating all of the components in said group, and relaying theelectronic object with the operating data via the bus system to said oneof said electronically controlled components in said group to configureall of the components in said group; and operating the apparatus withthe configured components in said group by accessing the electronicobject to read out said operating data and transmitting the read-outoperating data to said one of said electronically controlled componentsin said group, and thereby configuring said multiple components in saidgroup, and then operating the apparatus with the transmitted operatingdata.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the electronic object isa register in a microcontroller and/or a memory address and/or a networkaddress.
 3. A method according to claim 1, comprising accessing theelectronic object by read accesses and/or write accesses.
 4. A methodaccording to claim 1, comprising embodying the apparatus memory in thecontrol unit.
 5. A method according to claim 1, comprising formulatingoperating data to include parameters that uniquely identify how eachcomponent in said group is embedded in the apparatus, including at leastone of parameters about an installation space, data exchange with othercomponents, address, node ID, protocol that is used, and data rate ofthe access.
 6. A method according to claim 1, comprising, from thecontrol unit, accessing the electronic object to configure the componentand/or to operate the apparatus.
 7. A method according to claim 1,comprising, from the control unit, providing respective messages for thecomponents in said group, wherein each message is respectivelyintegrated into the electronic object and/or is integrated into the dataexchange with each component in said group via a link to a memory range.8. A method according to claim 1, comprising, from state information ofsaid one of said electronically controlled components in said group,that is received from said one of said electronically controlledcomponents in said group, generating, in the control unit, at least onemessage and/or establishing callback addresses via which additionalprocesses can be initiated.
 9. A control unit to control a complexmedical apparatus with a plurality of electronically controlledcomponents that must be configured to operate the apparatus, wherein thecomponents and/or the apparatus are controlled by a control unit and areengaged in data exchange via a bus system, said control unit comprising:an apparatus memory in which an electronic object is stored thatcomprises complete operating data to configure multiple components amongsaid electronically controlled components, said multiple componentsbeing selected from the group consisting of all components and selectedcomponents, in order to operate the apparatus, wherein the electronicobject is respectively associated with one of said electronicallycontrolled components in said group; a bus system via which therespective components in said group and the apparatus exchange data; andan access and transfer unit configured to access the electronic objectfrom said memory and to read out the operating data and to transmit theread-out operating data to said one of said electronically controlledcomponents in said group, and thereby to configure said multiplecomponents in said group.